Entertainment in Bangkok
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A
G.O.D. (Guys on Display)
The former Freeman has been reincarnated as this popular after-hours destination. Open late and, as the name suggests, not averse to a bit of shirtless dancing. Located on the tiny alley between Soi 2 and Soi Thaniya.
reviewed
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B
Sawasdee
Sawasdee has been doing the Thai dinner show for 20 years and we reckon it’s got it down by now. Shows span five parts and range from Thai martial arts to northeastern Thai dance, and dinner also offers ample options.
reviewed
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C
Happy Monday
This somewhat concealed pub follows the tried and true Ekamai/Thong Lor formula of retro furniture, a brief bar-snack menu and bizarrely named house drinks. The diverse soundtrack, spun by local and visiting DJs, sets it apart.
reviewed
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D
Superfly
This gargantuan dance hall is a decent middle ground in the jungle of Bangkok clubs; not too trendy, with music that the majority of us can shake to. As with many places in town, the cover charge gets you one drink.
reviewed
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E
Dance Fever
Like taking a time machine back to the previous decade, Dance Fever is a holdover from the days when a night out in Bangkok meant corny live stage shows, wiggling around the whisky set table, and neon, neon, neon.
reviewed
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F
Hollywood
Like taking a time machine back to the previous century, Hollywood is a holdover from the days when a night out in Bangkok meant corny live stage shows, wiggling around the whiskey-set table and neon, neon, neon. As is the case with many of its counterparts, you’ll need to purchase a bottle of whiskey at the door to gain entry.
reviewed
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G
Wine Pub
If the upmarket but chilled setting and spinning DJ aren’t compelling enough reasons to venture from your Th Sukhumvit comfort zone, consider that this is probably the least expensive place in town to drink wine. Check the website for revolving nibbles promotions that span everything from imported cheeses and cold cuts to tapas.
reviewed
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H
70's Bar
A tad too small to be a club proper, this retro-themed bar spins all the hits for Gen Y in the ultimate Me city. Like much of the strip, the clientele is mixed, but often verges on the pink side of the fence.
reviewed
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Lumphini Stadium
The best of the best fight at Bangkok’s Lumphini Stadium. It was constructed by the Thai army in 1956 and has a loose and populist atmosphere. Lumphini is also encouraging of non-Thai boxers.
reviewed
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J
Baghdad Café
Roughly the size of a large closet and decorated with a mishmash of vaguely Middle East–related photos and paraphernalia, this is the place to simultaneously suck down a Singha and a sheesha.
reviewed
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K
National Theatre
After a lengthy renovation, the National Theatre is again open for business. Performances of kŏhn, masked dance-drama often depicting scenes from the Ramayana, are held on the first and second Sundays of the month; lá kon, Thai dance-dramas, are held on the first Friday of the month; and Thai musical performances are held on the third Friday of the month.
reviewed
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L
DJ Station
One of Bangkok’s and indeed Asia’s most legendary gay dance clubs, here the crowd is a mix of Thai guppies (gay professionals), money boys and a few Westerners
reviewed
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M
Nung-Len
Young, loud and Thai, Nung-Len (literally ‘Sit and chill’) is a ridiculously popular den of live music and uni students on buzzy Th Ekamai. Get there before 10pm or you won’t get in at all.
reviewed
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N
808
Named after the infamous beat machine, this club fills the space previously occupied by Astra and follows the tradition of big-name DJs and insanely crowded events. Virtually empty on weeknights.
reviewed
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O
Bangkok Playhouse
Open since 1993, this modern private theatre hosts modern drama and other performing arts, as well as the occasional visual-art exhibition. Show times and prices vary; call ahead for details.
reviewed
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P
Telephone
Find this old-timer conversation bar on Soi 4 . The gay men’s equivalent of Patpong’s go-go bars can be found on nearby Soi Anuman Ratchathon, also known as Soi Twilight.
reviewed
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Q
Sky Bar
Allegedly one of the highest alfresco bars in the world, Sky Bar, located on the 63rd floor of this upmarket restaurant compound, provides heart-stopping views over Chao Phraya River.
reviewed
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R
Soi Cowboy
This single-lane strip of raunchy bars claims direct lineage to the post-Vietnam War R&R era. A real flesh trade functions amid the flashing neon.
reviewed
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S
Fake Club
The area directly west of Chatuchak Weekend Market remains a popular destination for Thai gay men. You’ll still find a few students here, but the crowd is generally older and more sophisticated, as is the decor and music. Fake Club has live music from 11.30pm.
reviewed
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T
Bull's Head
Bangkok boasts several English-style pubs but this is probably the most authentic of the lot. With friendly management and staff, and more events and activities than a summer camp, it's also a good place to meet people, particularly those of the British persuasion.
reviewed
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Red Sky
Perched on the 55th floor of a striking new skyscraper, Bangkok’s most recent rooftop dining venture is formal and boasts an extensive martini menu.
reviewed
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V
Rain Dogs
If you can manage to find it, the ‘unique’ location under a tollway also seems to protect Rain Dogs from late-night scrutiny by the Men in Brown.
reviewed
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W
Balcony
Located directly across from Telephone, this is yet another long-standing cafelike pub that features the occasional drag-queen performance.
reviewed
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X
V9
The décor would even make Liberace cringe but this top-floor wine bar wins fans for its affordably priced bottles of wine and its safe-from-the-rain view of Bangkok.
reviewed
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Y
Long Table
Come to this slick, 25th-floor balcony to sip fruity cocktails and gloat at the poor sods stuck in traffic below. In addition to views, there’s a menu of Thai-inspired dishes and generous Happy Hour specials. Long Table is located about 200m down Soi 16, which is accessible via Th Ratchadaphisek.
reviewed